Tuition Assistance Program

At Planted Seed Montessori School, we prioritize equity and inclusivity. We believe that our school is better when we are more diverse.

We know for some families, paying full tuition may impose a significant financial burden, and we desire to make our unique blend of Montessori and outdoor and experiential education accessible to all families who wish it. As such, we are pleased to offer a Tuition Adjustment Program (TAP).

If a family is unable to meet the regular tuition fees, they may apply for a tuition adjustment by submitting an application to the school, which will be analyzed by a third-party accountant. A tuition adjustment is not automatically given but rather is assessed carefully, taking into consideration the financial information provided by the family and the capacity of the school.

We view these adjusted tuitions as a contribution to the financial well-being of the school rather than a reduction in revenue. The program does not lessen our strong sense of fiscal responsibility. On the contrary, it requires thorough budget preparation and ongoing review to ensure continuous progress and the achievement of our goals and values.

The school undertakes to keep all information, including the fact that you have applied for tuition adjustment, in strict confidence.

Other information for the 2024/25 school year:

  • Tuition adjustment applies only to full-time tuition fees. It does not apply to the Deposit or the Activity and Administration Fee, nor to part-time tuition.

  • Families are expected to apply for a tuition adjustment at the time of enrollment.

  • No tuition adjustment will be considered if your account is not in good standing.

  • Our current minimum full-time tuition is $5,000.00. 

The non-refundable application fee is $55.00, paid by the family directly to the accountant providing the analysis.

Changes in Family Circumstance

Planted Seed Montessori School understands that financial situations can change in the middle of a school year. As such, the following principles guide our expectations in the case of such changes:

  • The school bases its financial commitments on the tuition commitments made by families, and therefore, a further reduction of tuition fees will only be considered in extreme circumstances of financial hardship where family income decreases. Please be aware that adjustments cannot be made on arrears, but rather on future tuition payments only.

  • Families may experience a positive change in their financial situation, and it is expected that they will inform the school of this change and increase their tuition commitment accordingly.

How to Apply for a Tuition Adjustment

  1. Request an application form from our treasurer, Amanda, at accounting@plantedseedmontessori.ca

  2. Fully complete the tuition adjustment application (one per family).

  3. Email a completed application form with all the required supporting documents to Amanda at accounting@plantedseedmontessori.ca by the stated deadline.

  4. Once received, Amanda will confirm that everything is in order and will confirm when to send the application payment to the accountant, Rucha Sharma .

After you have applied:

  • Rucha will analyze the family's application.

  • Amanda will notify families in writing of the required tuition amount based on Rucha's analysis.

  • Families have two weeks to confirm acceptance of the tuition adjustment.

  • Depending on application timing and enrollment start dates, this confirmation period may be shorter.

  • If a family does not confirm acceptance by the specified date, they may forfeit the tuition adjustment.

  • Families have the option to contribute more than the requested amount.

How is the Tuition Adjustment Calculated

To ensure that families are aware of how the model works please review the examples below. If you have any questions, contact Amanda Hildebrand, treasurer, at accounting@plantedseedmontessori.ca. 

Definitions

Net Income (NI) = after-tax income plus any other sources of income not included in your taxable income, including extended family contributions, self-employment income, rental income, etc.

Standard Cost of Living (SCoL) = $60,000/year for a family with one child. Add $5,000 to SCoL for each additional child in your household.

Adjusted tuition calculation is the larger of:
(i)  the difference between NI and SCoL, OR
(ii)  10% of NI OR
(iii)  Minimum tuition

EXAMPLE 1 (family with one child)

  • Net Income = $49,000

  • NI – SCoL ($49,000 - $60,000) = - $11,000

  • 10% of NI = $4900

  • $5000 > $4900 > -$11000 therefore...

  • Tuition = $5,000 (minimum tuition)

EXAMPLE 2 (family with one child)

  • Net Income = $64,000

  • NI – SCoL ($64,000 - $60,000) = $4,000

  • 10% of NI = $6400

  • $6400 > $5000 > $4000 therefore...

  • Tuition = $6,400

EXAMPLE 3 (family with one child)

  • Net Income = $80,000

  • NI – CoL ($80,000 - $60,000) = $20,000

  • 10% of NI = $8000

  • $20,000 > $8000 therefore...

  • Tuition = $12750 (full tuition)